Greek Politics
SYRIZA tests PASOK waters with talk of possible alliance
The coalition’s efforts to dampen any speculation about a rift between SYRIZA and Independent Greeks (ANEL) have been accompanied by a revival of the effort to explore the idea of Alexis Tsipras’s party working with PASOK in the future.
Thessaloniki bus firm row adds to public sector challenges
The row about the appointment of Stelios Pappas, the father of Digital Policy Minister Nikos Pappas, as the new head of the Thessaloniki Urban Transport Organisation (OASTH) looks like it will rumble on through August but there is no sign that the coalition will back down on the matter.
Coalition's ideological contrasts highlighted but Kammenos quashes rift talk
Defence Minister Panos Kammenos, who leads the junior coalition partner ANEL, attempted on Thursday to nip in the bud any speculation that his party and SYRIZA are about to go their separate ways over ideological differences.
Public sector evaluation and hirings in the spotlight
As Greek politics gradually winds down for the mid-August break, the country’s lenders are likely to have their attention on a couple of potentially important developments ahead of the third review, which is due to begin in the autumn.
Reshuffle rumours surface as Tsipras prepares plan for autumn
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has been meeting his ministers ahead of the brief summer break, fuelling speculation that he may make changes to his cabinet in the coming weeks.
ND moderates catch some flak, suggesting delicate party balance
The difficulties faced by Mitsotakis in his tricky balancing act as New Democracy leader, which involves him trying to present a reformist agenda while also keeping the right-wing of his party, which is more prone to populist messages on board, was highlighted this week when two important allies came under attack.
Healthcare next stop for Tsipras amid Georgiou case fallout
A day after government MPs approved a draft law introducing changes to the way Greek universities are run, the coalition focussed on a healthcare bill that represents its latest attempt to show its voters that it is active in policy-making in areas that are not linked directly to the bailout.
SYRIZA seeks to re-connect with left through contested university changes
The government approved on Wednesday a tertiary education bill that it says will introduce greater fairness at Greek universities, but which most opposition parties see as an attempt to challenge the idea of excellence.
Georgiou conviction may test relationship with lenders
An Athens court handed the former head of the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), Andreas Georgiou, a two-year suspended jail sentence on Tuesday, potentially complicating the relationship between Athens and its lenders.
SYRIZA tries to look forward but struggles to escape past
The two-day meeting of SYRIZA’s central committee, which concluded on Saturday, did not produce any major surprises for Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, allowing him to focus on a challenging few months ahead.